10-Plus Easy Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers

My sister in California is hosting Thanksgiving for friends and family, and she'll have two turkeys, one of which is to ensure there'll be enough leftovers. In fact, even if they travel to someone else's home for the holiday, she makes a turkey anyway, in case the hosts don't give them doggie bags (apparently there was an incident a few years ago . . . .) If you love leftovers as much as my family does (or even if you don't, but hate to let food to go to waste) here are a few ideas for keeping turkey fatigue at bay come Friday.

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For a quick lunch or light dinner, grab some of your favorite bread (don't forgot pitas or wraps, or that lovely walnut bread one of your guests made), and a few slices of your leftover bird, and experiment with these combos:

pickled peppers + shredded lettuce + hummus

radishes + red onion + sriracha mayo

bacon + avocado + sprouts + mayo

sharp Cheddar + apple + honey mustard

arugula + roasted red peppers + pesto

horseradish mayo + cranberry sauce

Swiss + sauerkraut + Russian dressing (aka, a turkey Reuben)

provolone + dill pickles + romaine lettuce + grainy mustard

If you've recovered from preparing the feast and don't mind doing a little cooking, these yummy turkey cakes with chipotle mayo and this moo shu turkey will keep you out of a rut. Each has bold spices that work nicely with turkey's distinctive flavor.

Made too much mash? Put it to use too. Try one of these 5 brilliant mashed potato ideas, or just form the potatoes into patties (dredged in a little flour) and fry them in lots of oil for a Chanukah—or any day—treat. Serve with applesauce or sour cream. Or both.

Now all you need to do is make sure you have enough leftovers. Happy Thanksgiving!